Learn About 7 Popular Accessories for Your Car

New car products appear on the market all the time, providing a dizzying array of accessories and cleaning options for your vehicle. Since your car or truck is one of your biggest investments, you want to do all you can to keep it clean and in good condition.

Adding custom touches, such as sports car decals and unique floor mats, help make driving fun. It also ensures that you do not make permanent modifications that affect resale value when you are ready to sell your vehicle.

Purchasing the right accessories can also make driving safer. For example, it is much safer to use a hands free phone system for car than fumbling with your phone while driving. Keep reading to learn about seven car accessories you need, including the best car mats and shades, the best car covers for outdoor storage and more.

Custom Window Sun Shades

Custom car shades shield your car’s interior from harmful UV rays. Having one of the best window sun shades helps keep your car’s interior cool in the summer. The best shades are custom-designed to fit your specific vehicle and made from reflective material.

Car window shades come in many styles, including full vehicle kits that cover every window. These custom window sun shades keep the interior much cooler than windshield-only shades. If you live in a cold climate, look for dual-purpose shades that warm up the interior and prevent window frost build-up.

Some retailers offer a custom printed windshield sun shade that features your business logo, favorite sports team or photo. Car window shades can be round, square or fan-shaped. Collapsible, accordion or roller shades come with a variety of reflective or anti-glare surfaces. Whatever type of shade you’re looking for, you will be sure to find it in this diverse market.

Best Car Covers

You need to find one of the best outdoor car covers if you do not have a garage or carport to shelter your vehicle. A good outdoor car cover protects your vehicle from the elements and damage caused by birds, insects and tree debris. Protecting your car’s finish can increase the resale value in the future.

The best car covers double as theft protection. If a robber cannot see inside your vehicle, he will not be tempted to take any valuables inside.

Additionally, the very task of removing a cover makes your vehicle an unappealing target. Car thieves will usually move on to an uncovered vehicle that can be taken more quickly.

Look for a cover designed to fit your specific vehicle make and model, and choose one that is easy for you to manage alone. If you live in an area with frequent hail storms or substantial snowfall, invest in a heavy-duty winter car cover designed to protect against severe weather events.

Custom Car Floor Mats

Upgrading your car floor mats is an excellent way to protect your vehicle floor. One of the best car mats available is a custom-made floor liner, laser-measured to fit each floorboard. Its durable hard surface can be swept or hosed off easily, and these mats tend to last far longer than dealer-issued car mats. Although expensive, they are worth the investment to protect work vehicles and family cars.

Car floor mats can also be a fun way to add a personal touch to your car’s interior. Colorful or decorative floor mats add a splash of personality to neutral-colored vehicles. Some companies offer car floor mats personalized with your monogram or business name. Sports logos and cartoon characters are also some car mat design favorites, especially if you love superheroes or want fun mats for your kids.

Hands Free Car Phone Systems

With so many states passing hands-free phone laws, a hands free phone system for car use is not just a nice thing to have, it is a necessity. If your phone doubles as a navigation device, you need a good phone mount. Be sure to check online reviews before investing in a mount. Although they seem simple enough, it can be hard to find one that can securely hold phones of various sizes.

Having a hands free car phone system is also good for those who make a lot of calls while driving, but have a vehicle without Bluetooth integration. A two-way Bluetooth speakerphone device clips to your visor and links to your phone for hands-free calling. Using a regular Bluetooth ear device is another way to help keep your hands off your phone while you are behind the wheel.

Car Wash Cleaning Products

Industrial car cleaning products are generally better than what you will find at your local supermarket. These car wash cleaning products are designed to break down tough dirt and grime quickly.

Although you may have to visit an industrial cleaning company or order them online, these products can help save you time getting tough residues off your car.

Car shine products are a must for anyone who wants to keep their car looking brand new. If you notice faint scratches or swirls in your paint job, get a liquid scratch remover to make the surface glossy again. Choose a high-quality liquid or paste wax and use it regularly to shine and protect your car’s paint job. For extra shine, invest in an orbital polishing tool.

Clean tires and windows are necessary for that new car look. Spray on brake dust repellent to keep your rims free from brown buildup, and get a silicone-based spray for glossy black tires. Using a water-beading cleaner on your windshield keeps your vision clear during rainstorms.

Interior Car Care Products

Did you know that you can buy interior car care products that restore that new car smell? Even inexpensive dashboard wipes can leave your interior surfaces looking new and smelling fresh.

Rejuvenate stale upholstery with fabric refresher spray and use a leather or vinyl cleaner on leather seats and steering wheels. Retailers offer decorative vent and visor clips that provide long-lasting air freshening inside your car.

Sports Car Decals and Accessories

With more car manufacturers sticking to basic paint colors such as gray, white and black, sports car decals are an easy way to add personality without investing in a new paint job. Racing stripes, hood designs and headlight accents can all make a car stand out. Some retailers even allow you to upload your own graphics to customize your car to your liking.